Don't let the bed bugs bite! Invest in one of these best bed bug mattress covers and protect yourself from infestations.
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6 Bed Bug Mattress Covers to Keep Pests Out of Your Bed
Updated Aug. 12, 2024
Mattress covers help protect your mattress, but they also help protect you from what might get inside of it. The best bed bug mattress covers serve as a physical barrier between your mattress and you, preventing bed bugs from infesting your bed and spreading to other areas of your home if you already have an infestation, explains Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. “Bed bugs are very small,” she explains. “With their shapes, they can easily sneak through crevices.” Purchasing a high-quality bed bug mattress cover with a zipper and reinforced seams can be a solution.
These covers are very easy to clean. “You can remove them and wash them in the washing machine. If there are any bed bugs on the surface of the cover, they will be killed in hot water and high heat in the dryer,” Sokolowski notes. Finally, a bed bug mattress cover offers long-term protection against the critters. “If you use a high-quality cover, it can last for several years, providing peace of mind that your mattress should be protected from bed bugs,” she adds.
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Best lab-tested bed bug mattress cover
Hospitology Sleep Defense System Mattress Encasement
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Best overall bed bug mattress cover
SafeRest Zippered Mattress Cover
While the SafeRest zippered mattress cover isn’t the cheapest option on our list, it offers solid value and ample protection against bed bugs. The waterproof mattress cover with a zippered guard fits mattresses ranging from 6 to 18 inches, and is available in sizes ranging from crib to California king. Bed bug mattress covers like this one keep the mattress completely covered and protected from all spills while being breathable and cooling. It’s also machine washable and easily tossed in the dryer like the rest of your bedding.
Reviewers who are already battling bed bug problems maintain that the cover helped rectify the situation, trapping the bugs until they died, so they didn’t have to worry about buying a new mattress.
Pros
- Features a zipper enclosure
- Waterproof and breathable
- Available in a range of sizes and depths
- Machine washable
Cons
- Might not fit very snug
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Best budget bed bug mattress cover
Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement
Those on a budget will appreciate the zippered mattress encasement from Utopia Bedding, a wallet-friendly option that has won over Amazon shoppers. Available for crib to California king mattresses, the zippered encasement consists of machine-washable polyester instead of cotton. The 100% waterproof cover provides 360-degree protection, so you can sleep soundly. Plus, it protects from spills and accidents, which can lengthen the time between how often you have to clean your mattress. With over 87,000 reviews and an average of 4.6 out of five stars, this wallet-friendly option is certainly worth a try.
“Love this encasement!” writes five-star reviewer, Rachel Rowe. “The price is great for the quality, and it has held up very well so far.”
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- 100% waterproof
- Features a zipper enclosure
- Available in crib to California king sizes
Cons
- Only available in one depth
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Best bamboo bed bug mattress cover
Cosy House Collection Mattress Encasement
Made out of 70% bamboo and 30% polyester, this luxurious-feeling mattress encasement from Cosy House Collection offers breathable and moisture-wicking protection. One of the benefits of the bamboo material is that it’s soft and doesn’t make that crinkling noise that you may find with traditional covers. With a zippered encasement and size range of crib to California king, it’s no wonder this is a best bed bug mattress cover.
“It has made my bed even softer and more comfortable, is made from great material, and seems to be effective for my needs. Highly recommend!,” writes reviewer, Dani.
Pros
- Has a noise-free bamboo viscose outer layer
- Is ultra-soft and waterproof
- Features a zipper enclosure
- Available in crib to California king sizes
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Only available in one depth
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Best bed bug mattress cover for allergies
National Allergy Zippered Mattress Protector
If allergies are a constant problem, finding nontoxic mattresses and hypoallergenic products is high on the to-do list. While lots of bed bug mattress covers claim to be hypoallergenic, not all of them are certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This zippered mattress protector from National Allergy, however, is certified. The protector boasts 100% breathable cotton, and the trademark zipper system promises to keep bugs out. It’s available in twin to California king sizes and 9 -and 16-inch depths.
Pros
- Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- Breathable and made out of 100% cotton
- Protects with a two-part zippered system
- Available in a range of sizes and depths
Cons
- On the pricier side
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Best lab-tested bed bug mattress cover
Hospitology Sleep Defense System Mattress Encasement
If an average of 4.7 out of five stars from nearly 13,000 Amazon reviews isn’t enough to help you sleep soundly at night, Hospitology also has lab testing backing up the reliability of its hospital-grade mattress encasement. It comes in a variety of depths to accommodate ultra-low profile beds and standard sizes alike. This ensures a snug fit and no shifting even if you have a mattress topper.
Pros
- Lab-tested
- Affordable and hypoallergenic
- 100% waterproof and machine washable
- Available in twin to California king sizes
Cons
- Not available in a crib size
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Best expert-endorsed bed bug mattress cover
Protect-A-Bed Mattress Encasement
“There are two factors to look for in an encasement: a durable material and a bed bug-proof zipper,” says Eric Braun, a board-certified entomologist and business manager at Rentokil Steritech, a pest management company.
Protect-A-Bed has both, which is why it’s recommended by both Braun and Brody Brothers Quality Pest Control, who writes of the bed bug mattress cover encasement: “We have tried all different types of brands, and they all appear or feel cheap. It could be the fabric or the bad zippers, but we have found the Protect-A-Bed to outlast the others! They have been around since 2001, and they have always had a great quality product to offer.”
Protect-A-Bed states the encasement is bed bug bite-proof, entry-proof and escape-proof with a patented three-sided zipper.
Pros
- Has a patented three-sided zipper
- Company has been around for over 20 years
- Waterproof
- Available in a range of sizes and depths
Cons
- On the pricier side
What to consider when buying bed bug mattress covers
It doesn’t matter if you have an air mattress, memory foam mattress, cheap mattress or a bed-in-a-box, bed bugs don’t discriminate. When buying a bed bug mattress cover, there are several factors to consider, per Sokolowski. Here is what you should look for:
- Zipper: Sokolowski notes that you should look for an encasement with a tight zipper with very small teeth encased and also sealed, “to prevent entry or exit of bed bugs,” she says.
- No seams, pockets or folds: This also helps keep the encasement sealed, she says.
- Laboratory-tested and -certified bed bug-proof: This ensures that the cover has been rigorously tested and is effective at preventing bed bugs.
- Other features: Sokolowski suggests a bed bug mattress cover that’s waterproof, flame-retardant, breathable and hypoallergenic.
- Fabric: “Cotton is more breathable and less noisy, polyester is more durable and can feel just as nice,” she says.
- Fit: A poor-fitting encasement is a waste of money and, more importantly, allows bed bugs to hide and bite. “Bed bug encasements need to be fitted to the appropriate size of the mattress, box spring and pillow for it to be most effective,” says Entomologist Jody Green, PhD, an urban entomologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Measure the length, width and depth of each item to encase. If the bed bug mattress cover encasement doesn’t fit correctly, it won’t be dependable. “Many people that purchase off-the-shelf encasements don’t buy the right size for their mattress or box spring, and encasements that do not fit properly are more prone to ripping and tearing, ” adds Braun.
Types of bed bug mattress covers
There are a few different types of bed bug mattress covers to choose from.
Encasement covers: These covers completely encase the entire mattress, including the top, bottom and sides. “They zip up tightly and leaving them on the mattress for an extended period provides continuous protection against bed bugs,” Sokolowski says. Encasement covers are usually the most effective type of mattress cover for bed bug prevention.
Fitted covers: These covers fit over the top and sides of the mattress and mattress pad like a fitted sheet. “They don’t encase the entire mattress, but can still provide some protection against bed bugs,” she says. Fitted covers are typically less expensive than encasement covers and are easier to remove for washing.
Pillow covers: These covers encase pillows and prevent bed bugs from infesting them. “They work similarly to mattress covers, creating a physical barrier that bed bugs can’t penetrate,” Sokolowski notes.
Waterproof covers: The materials used for these covers are typically vinyl or plastic. “They can protect your mattress from spills and stains, as well as prevent moisture buildup that can attract bed bugs,” she adds. Use waterproof covers in conjunction with a bed bug mattress cover for added protection.
How we found the best bed bug mattress covers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Do bed bug mattress covers work?
While bed bug prevention entails more than just a mattress cover, they are effective at keeping bed bugs from getting inside of your mattress or preventing those already in there from escaping. “Keep in mind that you should regularly check and wash your bed sheets very often,” says Sokolowski. Also, if you already have an infestation, a cover alone might not be sufficient to eliminate the bed bugs completely.
Can you wash bed bug mattress covers?
“Yes, I recommend washing your bed bug mattress covers periodically to keep them clean and effective”, says Sokolowski. “When washing a bed bug mattress cover, following the manufacturer’s instructions is important, as different covers may have specific care requirements. In general, You can wash most bed bug mattress covers in a washing machine on a gentle cycle using warm/hot water and a natural laundry detergent. Tumble dry some covers on low/high heat or air-dry them.”
It’s important to avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals when washing bed bug mattress covers. This may damage the cover or reduce its effectiveness in preventing bed bugs. After washing the cover, inspect it carefully for any tears or damage that may have occurred during the washing process. “Repair any tears or holes in the cover to ensure it continues to provide effective bed bug protection,” Sokolowski notes.
Can you still get bed bugs with a mattress cover?
Here’s the bad news: Bed bugs can live in a mattress cover for one year. “They are very resilient. So, it’s important to keep it sealed as long as possible—if you’re not getting bit by bed bugs!” says Sokolowski.
Sources:Â
- Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean
- Entomologist Jody Green, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Eric Braun, a board-certified entomologist, Rentokil Steritech
- Brody Brothers Pest Control
Originally Published: March 13, 2024
